13941/Digging Up The Past : Safe House Salutations

Digging Up The Past : Safe House Salutations
Date of Scene:	10 November 2021
Location:	A safehouse somewhere
Synopsis:	So you're probably wondering why we've gathered you here... Bucky and Punisher explain what's going on to the Safe House Crew
Thanks to:	Digging Up The Past
Cast of Characters:	Punisher, Phantasm (Drago), Winter Soldier

---

Punisher has posed:
Housing three protective in protective custody meant he needed one of his more upscale burnable safehouses. Something big enough for the purpose (Frank keeps a lot of safehouses as boltholes.... but a lot more for other purposes, like garages... or to protect someone caught up in his war).

Like now.

So it is that the three he's been keeping under surveillance have their own place. Bought and paid for by Frank and Microchip. It's not a /bad/ place, all things considered... they just can't leave without Frank's permission, due to HYDRA possibly having a kill order on all three. Frank has not been able to confirm the order to be a non-issue yet, despite his best efforts, so they remain out of sight. Cabin fever will likely be a thing... but a quick case of 'being killed' is the priority issue here.

The safehouse itself is actually a well self-contained module that was made for four people to live in comfortably. It's one of the few safehouses the Punisher maintains for /others/ to use. With a main living room, a study, a kitchen, two bathrooms and four bedrooms (Frank has given permission for the fourth bedroom to be repurposed according to their own decisions), it's comfortable enough. Most of what they need is delivered via fake names. Accounts for online purchases are provided, and a weekly budget is given for general use; more than enough for them to survive.

Today, Frank has given notice a day ago he'd be coming by to discuss the state of affairs... and thats night there's a knock on the door by a plainclothes Frank Castle wearing a black baseball cap.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
The fourth bedroom has remained mostly untouched and with the arrangements made, an eventual pattern to each other's behaviors has come to be. When not in her room, Miss Fiona spends a sizable amount of time in the kitchen and in the living room area depending on what shows are on the television or how close it is to meal time. The woman has made it a point not to order take out before and she sure as heck was not planning to do it now. The two men sharing the home with her gained a bit of the benefit as the home cooking ususally produced more than one portion.

Colby Schmirler, one that could be safely deemed 'former' DHS, kept to himself mainly. The man in his late twenties did venture out to the living room from time to time but would often surrender the living room to Fiona when she wanted the TV, sequestering himself into his bedroom during those times.

Dr. Emmanuel Willison, is by all accounts the social butterfly of the three. The older man in his mid 60s didn't beat around the bush when it came to starting conversations and has on a few occasions insisted to the youngest resident that he's more than welcome to call him 'Manny' like Fiona does. That's a work in progress.

As it is now, there is food cooking in a slow cooker at the moment and it has reached the agonizing 'tempting smell but not ready to eat' stage. As such they're avoiding temptation the best they can. Fiona and Manny are seated next to each other in the living room, chatting while Jeopardy plays on the nearby set. As for Colby. Well-

It is a nice bedroom.

Hearing the knock, Manny gets up to let Frank in.

Punisher has posed:
The door is opened, and Frank walks in with a purposeful stride, moving to the center of the room before he looks around. His face keeps a neutral bent as he sweeps visually for any new bugs or cameras, before he takes out a snoop device and starts to sweep the condo for bugs that way. "Nothin' new on my end." Frank tells the three as he starts his sweep, "I'm tryin' to find out if the asshole was in contact with any other cells before I give you all the green light to leave."

"Anythin' new with you three?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As Frank strides in, a figure emerges from one of the bedrooms. Not agressively but in a rather calm manner. Manny glances over to the newcomer. "Ah. I thought you were sleeping."

"I was." Colby responds, shifting over to the side of the room furthest from Fiona, opting to stand. "Now I'm not."

"Dinner will be beef stew." Fiona offers up when prompted for any new information, "It will be ready in about half an hour." She gives a pointed look towards Frank. "There are four seats at the table..."

"There hasn't been much change in the home." Manny sums up, "And while the arrangements and company are suitable I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say it will be nice to be able to go home again."

Colby frowns slightly but doesn't speak up.

Punisher has posed:
"Unfortunately, he was very cloak and dagger about it, and we couldn't trace it all in time. It's simply going to take time before I can tell you when you can go back to your lives." Frank finishes his sweep, then looks to the group one at a time, though when Fiona offers a place at the table, Frank ignores it. At least for now.

"On the bright side, a good portion of a HYDRA cell within DHS has been taken down. Our next step is to find the stragglers. From there, we just keep going."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"I still don't understand why I was even targeted." Fiona comments, "What did Michael even do?"

"That is unfortunate." Manny agrees, giving a slight nod, looking over towards Fiona. "Reasons given or not, it is quite a mess we've got. But, at the very least I will count my blessings that we're at least in the presence of someone who can cook. To be honest, I won't be surprised if I gain a few pounds while staying here."

Colby glances over to Frank to the mention of a cell within DHS. While the news of it being cleaned up can be considered good news, the frown remains for the one who has, or at least had connections in the agency. "...How big was it? The cell?"

Punisher has posed:
"At least two higher in the chain, and a few covert squads." Frank informs Colby, "I'm working on finding more information." Aka interrogating Clayton until he breaks, "but that's all I can give right now."

Then, he looks to Fiona, "I don't have all the details, but near as I can tell, you were all collateral in case of discovery." Then, Frank looks to the door, "for now, I have a guest who would like to talk with you three a bit, I think. He's as clean as I can make it, and I'm here personally to make sure you'll be fine."

Winter Soldier has posed:
    Timing, thy name is Bucky. No sooner has the Punisher announced a guest than there is the sound of a motorcycle coming down the road. In itself not that unusual a sound, except this time the engine comes closer, idles, and shuts off just outside... a clear indicator that whoever is riding that motorcycle has just gotten to where they need to be. In short, someone else is coming to the safehouse.

    Someone who, judging by the time between the sound of the kickstand being flipped down and the steady footfalls outside, has taken his sweet time getting to the door. Possibly having done a quick perimeter sweep.

    And then, there is a knocking without.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Colby listens quietly. Eyes glancing up slightly as he does some of the math. He seems tempted to prod a bit more but the close out on the information gets a bit of a nod instead. The sound of the vehicle arriving is another reason to give pause as he holds up a hand ushering Manny back to his seat as he instead heads over towards a side window to peek through the closed blinds. Bucky's delay coming up to the door is sufficient for ID. "Him." Colby's disapproving tone is heard within those three letters. He looks over to Frank and then to Fiona and Manny, giving a nod. "From the hospital. Ok, makes sense." He allows.

Manny and Fiona give Colby curious glances before looking over to Frank. "Hospital?" Manny asks, repeating Colby's words, "Is it another doctor?"

Punisher has posed:
As Frank watches, he whispers over his commlink in the hat to Microchip, "What the fuck is he doing?"

As he comes up to the house safehouse though, he walks up to the door personally and opens it, Frank blocking his view completely. He's the one wearing a covert vest, so best he takes the hits, "Took your sweet time, why don't you."

Then, he steps to the side to allow James inside, though he whispers to James, "They know what they need to know, that they were targetted by HYDRA, they don't know the details."

Winter Soldier has posed:
    There is, surprisingly, another guest with James. One that insists on getting in first. Head held high and tail wagging, a German Shepherd squeezes in between Frank and the door jamb the moment the Punisher starts to stand aside. This very friendly looking canine, whose collar seems to name her 'Lilli', makes a lap of the room, sniffs the air appreciatively, and then comes to a stop near Colby, looking up at him with those large eyes. Hello there human. You smell stressed!

    The man himself, wearing his motorcycle leathers, comes in rather more slowly, giving Frank a smile and a nod, whispering back. "Two of them need some more detail, if you don't mind?". But as he comes in, he seems to behave very much like a guest recently arrived at the home of a new friend, meeting the family for the first time. "Hi all. Sorry to just drop in unannounced."

    A glance to the kitchen, and the disarming Barnes smile. "Something smells good. Beef stew?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
With Frank taking over the task of opening the door, Colby shifts back towards the living room area, positioned between the door and where the older residents are sitting. The unamused expression remains upon his face as he watches the soldier he previously declared hatred of step foot inside. There is NO getting past this expression. It is set like st- The blur of black and tan fur orbiting the room draws his attention downwards. When the dog comes to a stop near him, he blinks, looking over towards James. "...Your dog?" He asks.

Fiona perks up as James identifies the food being identified. "That's correct." She confirms, straightening up a bit as she looks over the newcomer. "It should be ready shortly. We can find another seat if you would like some."

Manny's eyes widen momentarily, a hand reaching up to cover his mouth and nose. When the dog ends up near Colby his posture relaxes, lowering his hand.

Punisher has posed:
"If you must, just remember I'm trying to keep them out of the life. You and I don't get a choice, they do." Frank tells James firmly as he moves to stand by the door. Though he does observe Manny, "Allergic?"

Winter Soldier has posed:
    For some reason, Bucky shakes his head at the Punisher. No? No what? Do they not get a choice either?

    "Her name is Lilli." James confirms to Colby, smiling. "The significant lady in my life." And Lilli seems extremely interested in Colby, scootching up a bit closer and leaning against his legs in a gesture that practically begs for cuddles or petting. Hmmmm. That is not a military dog, no matter how much she may look like one.

    Another smile towards Fiona. "I couldn't possibly. You'll think I'm only here to take advantage of the cooking. What kind of guest does that make me?" Nice and oldfashioned. Then he addresses the room at large.

    "My apologies that you've had to be here for such a long time. It's partly my fault, but that time may be coming to an end. Fairly soon. But there are things you have to know before then."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Hearing the question Manny turns his head to look to Frank. "...Mildly." He admits, looking over to Bucky, "But not deathly allergic. He- She's fine over there."

Colby looks to the dog pressing up against his legs. He's unmoving. Just like a sta- Annnnd he's reaching a hand slowly to pet the dog. "...Hey Lilli."

"And what kind of guest turns down food that's being offered to them?" Fiona counters, shooting a glance towards Frank and then looking to Bucky. But her lecture is cut short as Bucky cuts down to business.

Colby glances up at Bucky, a feat made possible by him somehow kneeling down to give Lilli some proper pettings in the time Fiona admonished the other two soldiers.

Winter Soldier has posed:
    "It's the consideration of my colleague that there are things you should not know, for your own protection." Bucky begins, first of all taking off his gloves and stuffing them into a pocket, revealing his vibranium left hand. "I disagree. But first and foremost, allow me to properly introduce myself. James Buchanan Barnes." And from the same pocket that the gloves went into comes a small wallet, which is flipped open, to reveal the stylised insignia and a card bearing his likeness and the word 'SHIELD'. "Or, properly, Agent Barnes, of the Strategic Homeland Intervention Engineering and Logistical Division."

    Brief pause, and a self deprecating smile.

    "Yes, someone really wanted that to spell SHIELD."

    As Lilli pushes against the petting hand, Bucky continues. "You were, all of you, targeted by an organisation that is directly opposed to the organisation I work for. Normally the best defense against this organisation is to never hear of it, never interact with it, and never step anywhere near its crosshairs. But, unfortunately, through no fault of your own, all three of you have. I wish, I sincerely wish, that it was otherwise... but from this point on, not knowing will not protect you. Quite the contrary. If you want, I can tell you in specific terms why all three of you came to that organisations attention. If not, I can stick to a general summation. That choice is yours."

Punisher has posed:
"The best defense against HYDRA is to not get in their sights in the first place. The best defense against not being targetted after you've been on their radar is to lose all value to them. Not knowing helps with losing value to them. They're one of those organizations that targets people who knows too much."

Frank glances to James, "he's an idealist. I'm not. The less you know about these assholes, the better for you in general."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Colby's eyes look over towards Fiona for a moment before he looks back to Lilli. "I think I got a basic idea for me. so we can skip that one..."

"I know Michael's involved." Fiona replies, "That boy is a living trouble magnet, isn't he, Manny?" The woman looks over to the older doctor, giving a nod in prompt.

Manny for his credit, is a little slower to respond, seemingly watching Colby with the therapy dog and then looking towards Fiona. "Trouble-" He starts, "-D. But-" He shakes his head, "I'd like to know more detail about what got us here. There were people in my office poking around my files. How many of my former patients are at risk?"

Winter Soldier has posed:
    "As far as I can tell, Doctor, none." is the immediate reply. Bucky gives Frank a look, and then nods, as if to agree that they, perhaps, don't need to know /everything/.

    "But you are in essence correct. Most of this involves Michael, but not in the way you think." And here James has to think for a moment, on how to present it. "The truth of the matter is that Michael was caught up in a powerplay, through his father. When Savio Drago wanted out of the undercover role he was in, the organisation we were talking about needed to keep him loyal. They are very, very keen on loyalty. More to the point, the operation they had infiltrated had now become a cover for several long term projects, and these projects were at risk if Savio were to request an extraction. There was nobody to replace him."

    A glance over to Fiona. "I regret to say that your sister was the victim in this. By killing her, and making it look like a reprisal from a drug baron, this organisation could count on Savio staying loyal out of a need for revenge, while also giving their own operation legitimacy. I know it doesn't help much, but the man who did that deed will never trouble anyone again." He shares a significant look with the Punisher, before he continues. "After that, this organisation decided that they could mold Michael to become one of their own operatives. To do that, they had to isolate him, harass him, and make him feel as if nobody cared outside of his direct family. That is why none of the reports you put in to the police ever went anywhere, Miss Hannigan. Three officers were paid off to make the reports disappear. These officers are also no longer in a position to harm anyone else. The trouble Michael found himself in was mostly of their making. They manipulated his life from the murder onwards, all with a view to recruiting him. That became known as project Wayward Son."

Punisher has posed:
For his part, Frank just leans back against the wall next to the door. His flat expression doesn't give away much, but he's already made it clear giving this information to the group is a mistake... but he makes no move to quiet James.

"It's the usual secret terrorist organization bullshit; manipulate from the shadows and use front operatives to take the heat if something goes wrong. I've seen it countless times in the war." He grunts softly, "I've been doin' what I can to keep you all out of it, but I can't promise anything until I've had time to handle a few matters."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Colby remains near Lilli, the pettings of the dog slowing slightly as he listens in on the story Bucky is giving. He's had his own share of surprises regarding the organization he works- worked for but based on his expressions in certain parts of the story, it is apparent that there's a lot to the story he's not familiar with. Other than the cursory cover stories and knowing Savio was part of Groundbreaker, there wasn't much on the family outside of that.

At the assurance of his former patients not being at risk, save for the one currently being discussed, Manny grows quiet, listening to the rest of the information being presented. Considering they're informing the aunt of matters, there's a good chance they gave notice to Michael as well. As the topic drifts over to the death of the mother and the less than desirable attention given towards him, Manny frowns, glancing over to Fiona.

Fiona sits still. Breath hitching as Eileen is brought up as one of this organization's first victims of the story. She stares. While the movement isn't noticeable due to the slow nature of the transition, the expression of surprise from earlier has transitioned to a blend of frustrated anger. When the story ends, her glance shifts down. Hands ball into fists as she glares at the floor.

"If only we'd kept her from going to that Godforsaken Festival." Fiona mutters, "Too fast. Too quick. We warned them but no they just HAD to get married." She shakes her head, tone of voice having a bit of a brogue to it. "Doitear tu nuair a imrionn tu le dragain."*


*You get burned when you play with Dragons

Winter Soldier has posed:
    "Hard to say what would have happened had we done things differently in the past." And Bucky shares another significant look with Colby and the Punisher. If ever there are people who understand past regret...

    Lilli leans against Colby like a warm, reassuring weight, turning her head to look up at the man with those gentle brown eyes. Those are eyes that do not judge and do not question.

    Across the room, James gets back on task. "Suffice to say that this is not like any average terrorist organisation. They've embedded themselves deeply in an agency of the US Government that is, ironically, tasked specifically with tracking down organisations just like it. Soon, and I want you to understand this is not the governmental soon but the imperative soon, we'll be shutting them down. When we do..." not /if/, when "... I have people ready to purge your names from every single database or file that we can find. Officially, none of you will have ever been involved in this. None of you." These significant glances to Colby and Frank keep coming. He's not being very subtle here.

    "After that, most of you will be able to pick up your lives again as if nothing has happened, if that's what you want. I understand if that seems impossible now, but I want you to think about it. The unfortunate truth is that, for the rest of your lives, you will need to be extra vigilant. The people who will be scouring these databases are extremely good at what they do, but in cases like this there is no guarantee. The only guarantee I can give you is this one... when we're done, this entire branch of the organisation will never be in a position to harm people like you ever again."

Punisher has posed:
"That's bullshit, and you know it. Don't you dare give them false promises based on your own conviction." Frank finally gets involved, and his flat expression turns to a cold frown solidly directed at James as he stands up and squares off. "Yeah, you know people. Yeah, you want to get them out, but these sort of organizations /make it their mission/ to do information control, and you're talkin' out your ass if you think you can guarantee you can keep them from being found the way these assholes work."

Finally, he levels an accusing finger at James, "You can scour the government databases as much as you like, but that does nothing for /their/ database, and you know it. They won't forget these people, and giving them false hope they'll vanish like that is bullshit."

Yeah, looks like Frank is doing this right in front of them. Then, he looks to the group, "The best we can /actually/ guarantee is making your collateral in the aftermath of this whole thing so low they won't have reason to hunt you down, /if/ they have reason to go after you at all. New identities will help, as long as you disappear from your old lives."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Fiona looks to Bucky with a glance that would make the sternest of people wither. And to think a ten year old at some time was subjected to that. "Hard for you maybe. But I know I would still have a sister if she never got involved with that God damn Savio. Dragos ruin everything."

Manny's brows lift as he looks to the shortest human in the room (Dogs are people too) "Fiona!"

"Don't you start with me, Manny. I have been INCREDIBLY patient with things and you know it."

Manny grows quiet, glancing over towards Colby who has decided that he's going to look at Lilly and not directly at the grumpy woman. A glance is shot Bucky's way instead. He'd rather risk that look.

Without backup, Manny turns his attention back over towards Bucky and Frank. "Well, does this mean we have a choice in the route to take after whatever shutdown occurs? I'm retired and well- So long as I get to stay retired it's probably a mute point where I'm concerned." He pauses, "...Did any other therapists end up on this list? I wasn't Michael's most recent."

Winter Soldier has posed:
    Lilli doesn't shrink from the outbursts or bark to overpower it, but her ears do spring up slightly, and she steps in front of Colby protectively. Clearly, she has chosen to protect this human. Don't worry soldier, you're safe with me!
    "I did just say there's no guarantee." James responds calmly, with not a flicker of emotion, but turning his head slowly to meet the Punisher's gaze. "And you're right, we can't scour all of their data, because we don't have access to it. But Clayton was paranoid and sacrificed Stuck easily enough when he became a liability. A man like that doesn't share. There nobody downstream that's going to have the pertinent details. The ones up top are going to be too busy cursing my existence to think of anything else." Thus, finally, hinting that the scouring of the DHS is not going to be the final step in this project. "I'm not going to force people to give up their lives and their families unless there is no other option."

    But, just as importantly James holds up both hands at chest height as he turns to face the wrath of the Irish. Literally. "I meant no disrespect. I'm not qualified to speak on the subject of your sister, or what led to this tragedy. It's far too late to offer condolences, but from everything Michael has told me she was a wonderful woman. And from conversations I've had with agent Drago, he blames himself for her loss. So much, in fact, that he dedicated his life to destroying the man he thought was responsible for her death. The wrong man, it turned out. I can't imagine what you went through when they struck that first blow, nobody can. All I can do is make them pay, for every person that's suffered. I can't bring them back, but I can avenge them. And I will. You have my solemn promise on that."

    Leaving that to percolate for a moment, the Winter Soldier finally takes a seat, looking at everyone in turn. "It's up to you all where you want to go from here. I've told you the reality of what the future is likely to hold, my friend here..." a motion to Frank, although he realises he's probably stretching the definition of 'friend' at this point "... has clarified it for you. Can I offer you perfect safety? No, I can't. Can I guarantee that you will never hear from these people again? I can't do that either. But others have slipped from their grasp. I'm one of them. There was another no more than eight months ago. It can be done."

    Significant

    Pause

    "But if you feel safer taking on new identities, then that option is available to you. This wouldn't be in witness protection, because that program is... not entirely secure." Is a glance towards the Punisher necessary at this point? No, not really, and so he doesn't. "The option is then to have my organisation deal with that, or..." finally he does look at Frank again. "If you prefer, then you can ask my friend here to arrange it for you. If you take that option, I can guarantee you that he'll take the secret of your new identities to his grave with him. He wouldn't even tell me, or anyone within my organisation. It's the closest thing you'll get to disappearing off the face of the earth."

Punisher has posed:
As James talks, Frank backs down, going back into a neutral arms crossed stance. "No bullshit." He nods firmly, then looks to the others, "I'm not gonna tell you have to live your lives, but I can promise you that I will confirm as much as I'm able how they know about you... and I will do everything in my power to erase you from their network once this is done, you have my promise."

From anyone else, the law would get in the way... but this is the infamous Punisher, who literally can and will hunt down anyone on Earth if it's feasible. His infiltration and extraction of Trask after the Sentinel crisis from a Russian bolthole is a particular infamous example of the sheer stubborn willpower Frank will show if he's going after someone. That was a goddamned war that had everyone involved terrified of the resources Frank brought to bear.

Then, he gives the group a serious flat expression, "after Frank Castles family was killed, I dedicated my entire life to the war as the Punisher specifically so those who laugh at the law would never have the leeway to fuck over everyone. I keep fighting this war despite being the most wanted man on the planet to keep people like yourselves from /having/ to become me." He looks to Fiona, "living my life is easy when you have nothing to live for but the war... but my entire lifestyle was reforged after that to keep from being hunted down while I do the hunting. I've dealt with a lot of shit in my life... and I can guarantee you that I will put a bullet in my head before I allow anyone to break me to find where you are. I have someone who doesn't work within the system. I can promise you their assistance in disappearing. As a guarantee, this is the same person I go to for my own disappearing acts."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Colby blinks as Lilli gets between him and the source of the arguing. He reaches a hand over to give her a scritch behind the ears before he straightens up, observing the responses of the others. He looks over towards Frank, "...The offer is appreciated. But. Hiding's not my idea of living." He looks over towards Bucky. "I'll take my chances with you."

Is this even fair? Bucky brought a dog.

Mannie doesn't answer, instead looking over to Fiona. "Fiona?"

Fiona frowns, looking over to Mannie, "Oh come now. This is not like we're picking menu options- give me a moment." She looks over to Frank, frowning. "I have to admit you have kept your word so far. I wasn't certain when I first saw you."

Winter Soldier has posed:
    "Take it from someone who, quite frequently, does not see eye to eye with him..." Bucky begins, looking from Fiona to Frank. "He keeps his word. Always."

    A nod is given to Colby. "I was hoping you'd say that. We can discuss how and where at a later date." Possibly after some mandatory therapy, given how Lilli is acting towards the former agent. She seems to understand the choice he made, giving him a big doggie grin. Okay, so bringing the dog was probably cheating a little...

    "If there's any questions you'd like to ask before you make up your mind, feel free. This needs to be an informed choice."

Punisher has posed:
"If you don't disappear, I can't make promises for the odds of them finding you, but I get it. I do. I have most of the global underworld after me and countless bounty hunters looking to grab me for billions. I don't hide even so." Frank looks to Fiona then, "There's no rush at all. We're just presenting the options. While you're here, you're untraceable. I made sure of that. Once you leave here, that's where the bullshit starts."

He pauses briefly, frowning just slightly, before he looks to Fiona again, "For what it's worth, I tried to keep all of you out of this. The kill order was the final straw."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Colby nods to Punisher. "If I wanted safety at all times, I'd never have joined the Army. And honestly. I'm pissed. I'm not tapping out yet." For one who is 'pissed' he's not neglecting the dog one bit.

Fiona looks to Manny, "It really doesn't matter where you are?"

Manny, who had been looking over to the former soldiers and former grunt, turns his head to look back at Fiona. "So long as I stay retired, not really." He admits, "Maybe this is the kick in the pants needed to finally get out of New York."

"Hmm." The woman looks over to Bucky, "Is Michael with you?"

Winter Soldier has posed:
    Lilli, for her part, isn't neglecting Colby either. That is one happy dog by his side, and she seems to be reacting to his lifted spirits with an even wider grin. She doesn't care why he's happier, just that he is.

    "Are we keeping him safe? Yes." Bucky confirms to Fiona, staying as factual as he can. "Is he joining us later on? That's his decision to make, but I suspect he will. At the very least, we know now to protect him, and so we'll be doing that from now on. We can do the same for you..." and, after a brief glance from Fiona to Mannie "... both of you."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Fiona nods. Having been called out she tilts her head down, lacing her fingers through the doctor's." The woman looks to Manny, "That in mind... I think starting over wouldn't be that bad."

Colby ventures away from Lilli, arms crossing as he strolls closer to Bucky. "...Do you know what is like living under the same roof as this?" He murmurs to the other soldier.

Winter Soldier has posed:
    "Yeah... yeah I do." Bucky responds in much the same voice, remembering a certain friendship between a certain friend and a certain British liaison officer. Lilli comes to sit between the two men, but gazing with what appears to be a very fond look towards the new couple. Idly, James reaches over to scritch her behind the ears, before looking up towards Frank. "Could you put them up for a few more days? I'll tell you when the raid is planned, and we can figure out how we're going to move them without SHIELD figuring out this place, and without them ending up in danger? That work out for you?"

Punisher has posed:
"I can keep them here for years if I have to. I'm burning this one the second they're gone though." Frank replies, matter of factly, from leaning against the wall.